Mishaal Tamer – The Vision Behind “Home is Changing”

When music was legalized in Saudi Arabia, Tamer started posting homemade tracks on Instagram, eventually earning a spot at the Clive Davis Institute in New York. His first music video, Arabian Knights (2019), paid tribute to his hometown of Jeddah. Since then, he’s focused on sharing Saudi Arabia’s beauty, culture, and stories with the world.

His debut album, HOME IS CHANGING, features 33 songs across five chapters: THE DEEP, THE HEART, THE HEARTBREAK, THE DREAM, and THE RETURN. It’s a mix of heartfelt ballads, smooth R&B, and big pop anthems.

In our interview, Tamer talks about his debut, working on his new album, and being a bridge between cultures.

1) Home Is Changing is such a powerful title. Can you tell us what "home" means to you right now and how that’s evolved through making this album?

Home represents what ever you want it to.

Ofcourse there’s the fact that saudi my country is changing so much. But also home means so much more, it’s the inner self. This album is really there to guide you through that, a journey into your ever changing self. 

2) The album is structured in five unique chapters—The Deep, The Heart, The Heartbreak, The Dream, and The Return. How did you decide on these themes, and what do they represent in your personal journey?

These are the chapters of that journey. i was writing everyday and then when looking back i saw a story, with different parts different chapters. The themes simply came about from what was really happening during the time of writing, i didn’t ever mean to tell this story, i was just expressing myself over time it revealed this story. The 5 chapters of “Home is Changing”. 

3) The opening track, “ATARAXIA,” has this mix of piano and hip hop beats that feels very fresh. What inspired this blend, and how does it set the tone for the album?

It’s my way of saying you can’t put me in a box. The whole album as a whole is like that too. Can’t put it in a box. 

4) You said the artwork was intentionally shot in Taif to challenge perceptions of Saudi Arabia. Can you tell us more about what you hope people take away from seeing this different side of the country?

For them to see we are more than oil and desert. 

5) You’ve been vocal about showing the world a new side of Saudi Arabia. How does Home Is Changing reflect your own pride and identity as a Saudi artist?

i’m super proud to be saudi. especially now that we’re opening up to the world i feel it is almost my duty in a sense to showcase the kingdom for who we truly are. A diverse landscape Full of youth and creativity. 

6) Saudi Arabia is featured in the album cover with greenery and rivers. What was it like incorporating these images, and how does it feel knowing you’re helping shift global views of Saudi culture?

It’s important to me. I feel it is part of my purpose.

7) As someone who sings in Spanish, English, and Arabic, how do you feel these languages influence your music and how fans connect with you?

It definitely helps the music reach a broader audience. Makes the world smaller. 

8) With over a million listeners and a growing fanbase on TikTok, what’s it been like connecting with a new generation of listeners, especially those from Saudi Arabia?

It’s been crazy seeing the changes over the years. For someone like me to exist coming from saudi, it means Home really is changing. 

9) You’ll be performing in cities like Berlin, Paris, and London soon. How does it feel bringing this deeply personal project to such iconic stages?

As a saudi doing the music that i’m doing, we are making history. I’m honored to be alive and kicking during this moment in time. We’re paving the way for future generations. You can do anything, doesn’t matter where you come from, doesn’t matter who you are right now, you can be whoever you choose to be, you can do anything. 

10) Lastly, with Home Is Changing now out in the world, what do you hope listeners take away from it? And what’s next for you as an artist?

I just want the listeners to approach it with an open mind. It isn’t your usual album, if anything it’s kinda like a podcast. It can b offensive and even funny at times, but it’s always real. 

As an artist i wish to keep improving, learning more about and honing my craft. I’ve also been experimenting recently with some sounds from home (saudi arabia).